An Alto woman is in jail, charged with trafficking methamphetamine. Stacey Lynn Collins, 43, was arrested Thursday, May 6, following a traffic stop. Investigators say she was carrying five one-gallon bags of methamphetamine in her vehicle.
Collins’ arrest comes on the heels of a five-month-long joint investigation by state and local law enforcement. Habersham and Banks County deputies and agents with the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office participated in the investigation and arrest.
According to ARDEO, officers executed two search warrants, including one at Collins’ home located at 205 Martin Drive in Alto.
“The search warrant led to the additional seizure of approximately eight ounces of methamphetamine and a variety of prescription pills,” says ARDEO Special Agent in Charge Trent Hillsman. Hillsman says officers seized a firearm along with Schedule II and Schedule IV narcotics from Collins’ residence, including Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Alprazolam.
Law enforcement executed the second search warrant at an outbuilding on Free Drive in Cornelia. That search resulted in the seizure of approximately 564 marijuana cigarettes, according to ARDEO.
Hillsman says the approximate street value of the meth seized is $81,000.
In addition to the trafficking charge, Collins faces multiple drug possession charges. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
